Two-Sensor Synthetic Aperture Geolocation Techniques

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Authors
Elam, Kyle A.
Subjects
Geolocation
time-of-arrival
time-difference-of-arrival
frequency-difference-of-arrival
synthetic aperture
data fusion
estimation
Advisors
Su, Weilian
Date of Issue
2014-06
Date
June 2014
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Abstract
Geolocation technology with the ability to locate an unknown beacon signal in three-dimensional space has been engrafted into numerous modern electronic systems. Indeed, the marketplace is anxious for more accurate and more accessible geolocation data. A primary limiting factor of the growth of geolocation systems is the stringent physical resource requirements needed for existing geolocation algorithms. Popular geolocation algorithms measure the time-of-arrival, time-difference-of-arrival, and frequencydifference-of-arrival of an incoming beacon signal from an unknown emitter at a given time. For these techniques, accurate solutions require a minimum of three airborne sensors; if available, a fourth sensor often significantly improves the accuracy. This resource requirement is excessive; we aim to relax it to two airborne sensors by applying a synthetic aperture technique. By fusing together data from multiple subsequent time samples, one can boost the overall resolution of the geolocation estimate. We propose using a series of geolocation measurements collected between two sensors according to a synthetic aperture model. System performance dependence on sensor velocity and aperture size is assessed. Additionally, a brief treatment of noise tolerance and estimation theory is given. Lastly, the overall feasibility of a synthetic-aperturebased geolocation algorithm is summarily addressed.
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Thesis
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Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States Code, Section 105, it may not be copyrighted.
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